Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Adam Donnelly

HIGH WATER

With rain possible over the weekend, Cache Creek EOC still keeping an eye on the Bonaparte River

May 18, 2023 | 4:08 PM

CACHE CREEK, BC — The Village of Cache Creek has avoided any more damage as a result of high water this week.

However, the Bonaparte River remains high, so the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) remains active. EOC Information Officer Wendy Coomber tells CFJC News that a surge of water expected due to the heat wave last weekend did not come.

However, the Bonaparte remains higher than usual for this time of year and with rain still a possibility in the forecast the village needs to keep evacuation orders in place for certain areas of the community.

“We are concerned. There’s an earth structure in a mobile home park that is meant to keep high water out. It has been eroded this year by the fast-flowing water levels, and we want to make sure that is safe,” Coomber explains. “If it does rain, it’s possible the water will come over it. It’s possible it won’t, but it’s hard to say. As long as there’s a possibility of rain and a possibility that structure won’t hold back the water, then it’s not safe for people to come back.”

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The province has approved the village’s application to be considered for Disaster Financial Assistance. That means affected residents can apply for financial assistance if their properties were damaged by flooding. The EOC is also planning an event to help residents who have been affected by the floods.

“The Emergency Operations Centre here has arranged for a resiliency and recovery event on May 31 in the community hall,” Coomber says. “There’ll be agencies and organizations there that will be able to help people, answer their questions. We’re hoping we can get a representative there from Disaster Financial Assistance there so they can answer any questions people have.”

Residents affected by this month’s floods have 90 days to apply to the province for Disaster Financial Assistance.

by Adam Donnelly